length of the stamens. Stamens 8, inserted in the
mouth of the c a ly x : filaments short, attached to the
back of the anthers, which are linear, 2-celled, and
burst by the sides to discharge the pollen. Style
smooth, about the length of the stamens. Stigma
capitate, dark purple, or nearly black, flat at the top,
slightly 4-lobed. Capsule slender, nearly cylindrical,
4-sulcate, 4-valved.
This very distinct species, which is readily distinguished
from all others with which we are acquainted,
by its capitate 4-lobed Stigma, is a native of
North America; where it was first discovered by Mr.
Thomas Nuttall, who describes it as growing from the
river Platte to the mountains, on dry hills, flowering
in Jun e; with us it flowers from June to October, and
is a very handsome hardy perennial plant.
Our drawing was taken from a specimen, kindly
presented to us by Robert Barclay, Esq. from his
choice collection at Bury Hill, in August last, and was
from a plant that had been received from Mr. N u tta ll:
it succeeds well in the open borders in a light rich
soil, and may be propagated by cuttings planted under
a hand-glass, or by seeds, which will ripen plentifully,
if some pollen be attached to the stigmas when in
bloom.
1. T h e 4-cleft Calyx seated on the germen. 2. The tu b e spread open, to
show th e 8 Stamens inserted in the mouth, th e filaments attach ed to the back
o f th e anthers. 3. Germen, te rm in a ted by the Style and slightly 4-lobed Stigma.
K m